Labor & Employment (Professional Licensing)

HB 4153 creates a tax credit for West Virginia employers who hire interns or apprentices in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. Eligible employers receive a 50% tax credit on wages paid to qualifying interns/apprentices, up to $10,000 per person annually (capped at $150,000 total per employer yearly). To qualify, positions must include at least 120 hours of structured training and exclude retail, food service, janitorial, and general administrative roles. Employers must apply for certification through the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and report details annually to claim the credit.

SB 510 prohibits West Virginia licensing authorities from denying initial professional licenses based solely on prior criminal convictions, unless the conviction directly and specifically relates to the profession and poses a direct public safety risk. It requires authorities to apply a strict "direct relation" test when evaluating convictions, explicitly banning the use of "good moral character" or "crimes of moral turpitude" as disqualifiers. Applicants with criminal records can petition licensing authorities for a determination of eligibility, and the bill mandates updates to licensing forms and public materials. The law applies only to initial license applications, not disciplinary actions against current license holders or license reinstatement.

HB 4216 authorizes West Virginia's Department of Health to establish licensing requirements for lead abatement professionals through a specific regulatory rule (64 CSR 45). The bill directly affects contractors and workers performing lead paint removal or abatement in residential properties. It creates a standardized licensing process to ensure proper training and safety practices during lead hazard remediation. The rule, previously modified after committee feedback, will set baseline qualifications for individuals and companies handling lead-based paint hazards. This is a procedural authorization to implement the rule, not a direct change to licensing standards themselves.